Ormiale (Saint-Émilion / Bordeaux, France)

Ormiale is the creation of Parisian artist and designer Fabrice Domercq (in partnership with acclaimed industrial designer Jasper Morrison, who was a co-founder). Launched in 2007, the project set out with the "crazy project" of making pure, natural, and authentic Bordeaux wine—a revolutionary concept in a region defined by its reliance on conventional methods and classification.

Bio-Philosophy: Natural Wine in the Classical Heart

Ormiale's approach is rooted in profound respect for the fruit and a commitment to minimal intervention at every stage:

• Biodynamic Certification: The small vineyard area, spanning about 2 hectares primarily in the Côtes de Castillon and Côtes de Francs appellations (near Saint-Émilion), has been farmed organically since 2009 and is now Demeter-certified biodynamic. They work with extremely low yields (around 20−29 hl/ha) to maximize concentration and quality.

• Hand-Crafted Precision: Everything is done by hand, including the selective harvest and the meticulous manual destemming of all red grapes, a process Fabrice views as crucial for achieving subtlety and purity in the wine.

• Zero-Input Cellar: Vinification is done without any additives. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous yeasts. The wines are almost always made with zero added sulfur (SO2​), are never fined, and are never filtered.

• The New Cellar: In 2021, the winery moved its cellar into a former underground limestone quarry right in downtown Saint-Émilion. This unique, stable environment—dark, silent, and mineral-rich—provides the perfect, constant, cool temperature crucial for making high-quality, stable natural wine without sulfur.

Wines and Style

Ormiale's wines are celebrated for their expressive character, depth, and extraordinary drinkability, described by Fabrice as "sharp, vivid, expressive... and as drinkable as mountain river water."

• Signature Reds: The main cuvée, 'Ormiale' (Bordeaux Supérieur), is typically a blend of Merlot and a major proportion of Cabernet Franc, known for its floral notes, elegance, and aging potential.

• Experimentation: Fabrice constantly experiments, resulting in a unique portfolio that includes:

  • 'Merlotinox': A 100% Merlot aged entirely in stainless steel for purity.

  • 'James': A naturally sparkling Rosé (Pet-Nat).

  • 'Secmillon': A dry white wine made from 100% Sémillon.